Samuel David Lantz passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. His life was a grand adventure. He was full of life, told great tales, a friend to all, and had a warm and wonderful laugh.
The youngest (and smartest) of three siblings, Sam was born on July 6, 1959 at White Cross Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Growing up in Detroit, Michigan with two older sisters, Laura and Susan, wasn’t always easy. Sam’s mother, Caroline, single-handedly raised her children for 10 years and instilled in each love, compassion, a great work ethic and the knowledge that they could achieve anything.
At age 10, Sam’s world expanded with the addition of a father, Kirk. They enjoyed many adventures together in the Boy Scouts, including the famous trip to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Arizona. Rumor has it that they were so dirty upon their return that their underwear could stand up by themselves.
Sam graced the halls of Jared W. Finney High School, graduating in 1977 as Class President. He perfected his golf skills during high school and developed life-long friendships. From there he followed his older sister Laura to the University of Michigan, and then changed course and entered the U.S. Navy.
Sam served six years and was honorably discharged. Much of his service was aboard the U.S.S. Bremerton, SSN 698 (https://www.csp.navy.mil/bremerton/About/). There too he gained many friendships. He had many tales of his adventures in the Navy and aboard the U.S.S. Bremerton, SSN 698, some he would share with all and others only known to his Navy buddies, but everyone knew about the “Pinto Mobile”.
In 1987, Sam moved his family from Ohio to Arizona and began working at the Palo Verde Nuclear Power Plant. After the arrival of Sam Jr and Ben, Sam graduated to “Big Sam” as all his friends and family would call him.
Sam raised five wonderful, brilliant and loving children, Takiysha McLaughin (41), Tyree Dawkins (40), Tanettra Dawkins (38), Samuel D. Lantz, Jr. (31) and Benjamin S. Lantz (29). He loved them dearly and was proud of each and every one.
Sam was engaged to be married in 2021 to Cleof Endat Dawat and they had great plans. He had finally found the love he’d been searching for with Cleof.
Sam leaves behind to celebrate his life and continue his legacy: Mother, Caroline Coykendall, Father, Duane (Kirk) Coykendall; fiancee, Cleof Endat Dawat; sisters Laura Plevek (Phil) and Susan Youngkin (John); Mother to his children, Deborah Lantz; children, Takiysha McLaughlin (Ian), Tyree Dawkins, Tanettra Dawkins, Samuel D. Lantz, Jr., and Benjamin S. Lantz; Grandchildren, Michael and Makayla McLaughlin; Nieces Andrea Plevek (Lindsey), Ebone Lewis and Katherine Youngkin; Nephews Phil Plevek, Brett Lewis, Brandon Lewis and Sean Youngkin; and many, many, many friends - all who were like family to him.
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